Philippians: Pursuing Spiritual Maturity

by Gregory Brown

How should we pursue spiritual maturity—becoming more like Christ? In Paul’s epistle to the Philippians, one of the dominant themes is spiritual maturity. Throughout the epistle, he encourages them to pursue unity, to be faithful in suffering, to rejoice regardless of circumstances, to live as citizens of heaven, to have the mind of Christ, and to practice many other virtues—essentially calling them to be mature. Then, in chapter 3, he specifically exhorts them to imitate his pursuit of Christlikeness (v. 17). He describes himself as a banker counting everything loss to gain Christ (v. 8) and as a runner seeking to win the prize of knowing Christ (v. 12-14). As we study Philippians, it will inspire us to new heights of spiritual maturity. Let’s study it together with the Bible Teacher’s Guide.

“Expositional, theological, and candidly practical! I highly recommend The Bible Teacher’s Guide for anyone seeking to better understand or teach God’s Word.”
—Dr. Young–Gil Kim, Founding President of Handong Global University

Genres: Ebooks, Nonfiction

466 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 15, 2015

About the author

Greg Brown earned his MA in religion and MA in teaching from Trinity International University, a MRE from Liberty University, and a PhD in theology from Louisiana Baptist University. He has served over twelve years in pastoral ministry, and currently serves as chaplain and visiting professor at Handong Global University, pastor at Handong International Congregation, and as a Navy Reserve chaplain.

Greg married his lovely wife, Tara Jayne, in 2006 and they have one daughter, Saiyah Grace. He enjoys going on dates with his wife, playing with his daughter, reading, writing, studying in coffee shops, working out, and following the NBA and UFC. His pursuit in life simply put is “to know God and to be found faithful by Him.”

To connect with Greg, please follow at http://www.pgregbrown.com/

Reviews

[Samantha Chandler · Rating 5 out of 5]

And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others. 2 Timothy 2:2

This is a powerful and loving guide to better understand the teachings of Paul and his relationship with the Philippians.

Dr. Brown explains scripture in sections of idea, question, observation, interpretation and then application. This book should be a must read for Bible Study groups. It demands discussion.

As a layman, but a lover of the gospel; I found so much to contemplate and then marinate in from Dr. Brown’s writings. He brings forth the love Paul had for the church and its followers. When we love we are most like God for He is love.

I particularly took note in the chapter explaining Paul’s relationship with the Philippians as a model relationship with the church. A number of questions presented to the reader were “what does a healthy church and its members look like” and then “Am I a spiritually healthy church member.” Dr. Brown reminds me as a child of God, that I am to be forgiving, praying, and serving and also the power of intercessory prayer.

I learned a great deal from reading Philippians: Pursuing Spiritual Maturity. I thank you Dr. Gregory Brown.

[Kristin Spencer · Rating 4 out of 5]

In, “Philippians: Pursuing Spiritual Maturity,” Gregory Brown has done an excellent job explaining the book of Philippians. Brown’s systematic style which he uses in his “The Bible Teacher’s Guide” series is shown in this book. It is perfect as a resource for anyone who wants to run a small group, or just better understand the book of Philippians.

I don’t know how Brown does it, but he always stays neutral in areas where other authors cannot. In this book that is important because one of the main themes in Philippians is unity, and the author spends a large chunk of this book describing the importance of unity as well. Whatever end of the theological scale you are on, I guarantee you will find this book helpful, and respectful of your denominational beliefs.

The main theme of this book is pursing spiritual maturity. Brown answers important questions. “What is the right attitude we must have in order to pursue maturity?” “Why is it important to have the right attitude — a holy discontent — in order to pursue spiritual maturity?” “In what ways is God challenging you to be more disciplined in your spiritual life?” “How do we keep the right focus?” But he goes through the important foundation for our spiritual maturity in the first half of the book by establishing our need for Jesus Christ, sanctification, unity, and living a life worthy of the gospel.

This book is another great addition to “The Bible Teacher’s Guide” series, and I look forward to reading many more.

[Jodi Woody · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given a copy of "Philippians: Pursuing Spiritual Maturity" by the author, Gregory Brown, in exchange for an honest review. Though our doctrinal beliefs may be a tad different, I sure enjoyed this book. I think as a whole the Christian church desperately needs to grow up, and this book is a great tool to facilitate that. It is written so that it can be used in several ways. First it can be used as a study guide for a group, a teachers guide and lesson plan, and as an individual bible study.

The book takes a close look at Pauls' writings to the church of Philippi and gives great examples of what spiritual maturity should look like.
This isn't an easy read to just breeze through. You will need to take your time, ponder the questions, read the scriptures and pray about what you are reading. I personally think it would make a great group bible study and will be using some of the lessons in my own small group.

I give it four stars. I can recommend for all any denomination, and for ages 16 and up (though I think it is more geared for adults).

[Roger Deloach · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written, understandable, knowledgeable study guide to the book of Philippians. Gregory Brown has shared his comprehensive research of this epistle in a way that will benefit any individual or group study. Questions are asked, seeds are planted and application is encouraged. Maturity in scripture, in our relationship with God, with others, and with the church are a priority of this work. The special relationship between Paul and the people of the church of Philippi is emphasized, helping us to understand the importance of loving and caring for one another. Paul's drive to live for the cause of Christ is lifted up as an example for our lives. This is not just a discussion of a Biblical letter, this is an in-depth study of the seriousness of our relationship with the Lamb who was slain as well as with those who love Him.

I highly recommend this book. You will learn. You will be challenged. You will be reminded of the source of your joy and peace. And for those who have not yet come to know Christ, you will be offered a clear presentation of the gospel.

[Keven-marianne Card · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a reviewers copy of this book. I have to say that this book challenged me to look just a little deeper into my beliefs on particular scriptures. Which I believe is the intent of the book and in that it does a masterful job.
This work is meant for a more mature Christian I believe and the majority of the conclusions the author comes to I can certainly agree with, although there are a few of his conclusions that I cannot reconcile but they were very specific and I don’t believe overshadow to basis of the message.
I have had a long and challenging Christian life and my journey has taken me to some places I wish I could have avoided but they are part of the journey that led me to trust more, live more and be set free from the worries of a guilty life.
I would recommend this book as a challenge to seek out the truth which is God’s word and allow the Holy Spirit to guide you in its revelation.

[Youngin Soh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gregory Brown is an intelligent, articulate writer who uses the spoken and written word with conviction. I always admired his thorough knowledge of the Bible. When I attended Handong Global University, I really enjoyed listening to his sermons and being part of his Bible study life groups. He always encourages the believer to study the Word of God personally. The quest to search for knowledge and to quench it in self is always an important endeavor. This is evident in his writing. It definitely helps the believer to pursue spiritual maturity no matter how long they have been in the race. This book would be a great material for a life group or even as a personal devotional book. I used it as a personal devotional and profited immensely from it. I hope this book encourages you and reminds you that though you are not perfect, the God that we serve is.

[Erica Mbasan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This guide is amazing. Clearly written, easy to understand for even someone new to the faith I believe; but it very clearly and unapologetically shares the MEAT of the Word of God. I found this volume encouraging and very insightful. As a missionary and teacher of the Word myself, this will be a book that I refer back to many times. It encouraged me, taught me, and reminded me of so many important foundational truths as well as deeper insights. I hope the author, Gregory Brown, writes one for each book of the Bible! Let us pursue spiritual maturity and go to new depths and heights in our faith.

[Susan Rush · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is engaging, thought-provoking, and truly challenges the reader to grow-up spiritually. The guidance of the author provides the reader the perfect opportunity to dissect Philippians while spending time in introspection and prayer. The author provides his own examples of what spiritual maturity should look like which I found helpful. Whether you are a new believer or a seasoned saint, this book is both an enjoyable read, and more importantly, a great tool to grow deeper in your faith.

[Dave Wheeler · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great resource

This is a great resource for leading groups , also for background info in preparation for messages. It wasn't what I had expected from the advert but that shouldn't take away from what this book is.

[Jeannette Collings · Rating 4 out of 5]

Philippians: Pursuing Spiritual Maturity by Greg Brown is part of a series of books in The Bible Teacher’s Guide. It is an expository and instructional work that is similar in structure to a comprehensive textbook. Greg provides a lot of “meat” for the bible teacher and student to chew on; yet it is divided into easily digestible chunks of information. He breaks up the text with many thought-provoking questions to help readers engage with the material and to pause and think deeply about how it applies to their lives.

There are Big Questions, Observation Questions, Interpretation Questions, and Application Questions. The Application Questions pricked my heart (in a good way) and made me examine the state of my own spiritual health and maturity. And the definitions given (based on careful research) clarified many words and phrases that may otherwise be misinterpreted or ignored for lack of understanding.

Greg based the book on the Apostle Paul’s epistle to the Philippians; he examines and expounds on a number of themes in the letter that, when put into practice, enable the believer to attain spiritual maturity.

One of the many principles from the book that resonates with me is that:

“Mature Christians are discerners who test everything to hold on to what is good and best for their spiritual life and others. They put everything into the fire—to see if it is excellent.”

In discussing the discipline of thanksgiving (i.e. giving thanks to God), Greg reminds us that:

If we are going to stand, we cannot grumble and complain. We must instead be full of thanksgiving. It is in thanksgiving that God’s grace becomes available to us. His grace is upon the thankful believer, and his discipline is upon the grumbler and complainer.

Philippians: Pursuing Spiritual Maturity is a serious work that delves beneath the surface to give bible teachers and students alike a deeper understanding of the messages in Paul’s letter. It is a must-read for those who want to know the history behind the story, as there is virtually “no stone left unturned”. And it provides readers with the tools needed to help themselves and others grow in spiritual maturity.

Greg has provided a lasting treasure of knowledge, and I will never look at Philippians the same again!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Are you looking to be deeply challenged in your faith? Greg Brown's study in Philippians will do just that. I understand why it is called The Bible Teacher's Guide because it is perfect for teachers in growth groups, Sunday School and of course, it is perfect for individual study as well.

The author has done an excellent job using scripture to show the marks of a mature Christian and he takes the reader on a journey that forces them to honestly answer where they are in their spiritual journey. Have you grown, or have you stayed in the same place? Are you a bold witness for Christ or do you just read books, listen to sermons on Sunday and then move on, never sharing with others about the Lord? This study is guaranteed to make anyone who claims to be a believer in Christ, to sit up and take stock of themselves in relation to how, or if, they are fulfilling the great commission to spread the gospel.

I really liked the style in which this was written. Each chapter centered around one main thought called the Big Idea. After finding the Big Idea for each passage studied, readers then answer the Big Question, which leads the reader (or small group) through the entire text asking the all-important observation, interpretation and application questions. While this study can be enjoyed alone, I highly recommend it for your group study or bible study class. It is (as the title says) a Bible Teacher's Guide so if you are about to teach a class on Philippians I highly recommend you buy this book.

[Travis Swart · Rating 5 out of 5]

In writing Philippians: Pursuing Spiritual Maturity, Greg Brown has gifted us a wonderful work on how to grow spiritually in our walk with Christ and in our relationships with others. He breaks down the book of Philippians using it as a practical step by step guide in achieving this goal. He provides profound insights with each section and reinforces it with other scripture, interpretive analysis, and the experiences of himself and others.

This book is a great resource for study groups as well as the individual. Greg reaches out to the reader and presents questions which challenge the reader to address him or herself in different areas of their faith and service to God and others. Philippians will call you to go deeper in your faith while at the same time instilling more confidence.

Greg calls believers to action in that all Christians should be confident in the face of opposition because other believers are suffering greatly in other places of the world for their beliefs. If others are willing to die for their faith, why do we fear simply sharing the Gospel message of hope with others? The Lord is with us, and we can be confident He is in control.

I hope this book will challenge you and encourage you in your walk as it has me, and give you a heart after God, his kingdom, and others.

[Scott Worden · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book that explains every part of the Armor of God in Ephesians 6. It's a practical book on how we should apply each part of the armor.

My favorite part of the book is how we can use the Lord's Prayer as a practical model in our prayer and even use our hand as a guide. The thumb is closest to us so we pray for those people. The index finger points so we pray for our teachers and parents. The middle finger is the longest so we pray for people high above us. To find out what the other two fingers represent, read the book! :)

[Michael Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gregory Brown's Philippians: Pursuing Spiritual Maturity is a thorough and well organized. Sometimes is read more like a research paper, but commentaries are always dry in some sections. Overall, I enjoyed reading more than I thought I would, and everything I read I found true and helpful. I would recommend this book for a preaching help and for a small group study